Zenit has no equals in Russia: ‘Barcelona’ from Kazan wins the next title

Yakushev Supercup

The ninth competition of the Russian Supercup was dedicated to a Soviet volleyball player and coach Aleksey Yakushev. He became a two-time world champion (in 1949 and 1952) and European champion (in 1959 and 1951) during his career. He also won the championship of our country with the Moscow team and Dynamo-Moscow and became a three-time silver and bronze medallist.

During his career as a coach, Yakushev worked only in the women's national team of the USSR who became a European champion in 1958 and world champion in 1956 and 1960, silver medallist of the European Championship in 1955 and World Championship in 1962. Later he was awarded Badge of Honour.

In addition, Yakushev is an honourable sports master of the USSR and honoured coach of the Soviet Union. The Russian Volleyball Federation has a good tradition – to dedicate every game for the Supercup to one of the legendary volleyball players of our country.

This match with Dynamo-Moscow has been the third Supercup match between these contestants

Goal – to take a revenge

By the way, Zenit-Kazan has played in all Supercup competitions. The Kazan players won four matches and lost four battles out of eight games. Zenit played against Belogorie four times, twice against Lokomotiv. And this match with Dynamo-Moscow has been the third Supercup match between these contestants.

Dynamo has won all matches in this season. The Moscow players won all eight matches with a total score 24-3 in the preliminary round of the Russian Cup. Zenit, in turn, had two defeats that can be explained by their relaxed state.

In the last season, the teams played three times and showed a real thriller. The Moscow players took the lead in two matches 2-0. However, Zenit heroically won a victory. The Kazan players played the third match as the reigning champions of Russia. Anyway, Zenit did not relax and won the next victory in the championship.

Zenit weeks

The Kazan players were psychologically prepared for this match. Could it be another way? Several important events happened in Kazan volleyball's life last week. To start with, not Vladimir Alekno but Aleksey Verbov ruled Zenit in the preliminary round of the Russian Cup. No, it is not a change in the coaching staff of the Kazan Kingdom. The experienced libero just decided to start his coaching career bit by bit, and the mentor of Zenit was just glad to help his player. By the way, Verbos started quite well – two victories against Yaroslavich and Prikamye.

Later it became known the Cup's semi-final of the Group A would take place in Kazan. Ural from Ufa, Yugra-Samotlor from Nizhnevartovsk and Torpedo from Chelyabinsk will be in company with the reigning champion. Zenit also presented new players of the club and a film about the achievement of the team during two seasons was shown last week. It should be reminded the Kazan players won all titles except the World Club Champion. At the moment it is the only trophy the 'Barcelona' from Kazan could not win.

Newly-baked 'Polish men' Wilfredo León was noticeable

Was it really Dynamo-Moscow who played against Zenit?

A colourful show that everyone liked took place in the St. Petersburg Volleyball Centre before the match for the Russian Supercup. Vladimir Alekno decided to field Anderson, León, Volvich, Aschev, Butko, Mikhailov and Verbov from the start.

The first set was equal, the teams did not let each other be break away and go ahead. But the Kazan players took the lead by the middle of the first part of the match by shooting ace after ace. Zenit demonstrated an excellent teamwork by playing different combinations. Newly-baked 'Polish men' Wilfredo León was noticeable. Dynamo tried to impose a battle, of course, including by substitutions. But it was difficult to catch up with Zenit.

The score of the first set says much – 25-12 in favour of the Kazan players. Was it really Dynamo-Moscow who played against Zenit?

The second set answered this question. The Moscow players immediately went ahead and did not let the Kazan players have a rest. But Zenit did not relax but gathered a higher speed. A real struggle started on the court, and it did not stop for a minute. After a 10-point margin, Dynamo broke down, and the Kazan players were glad to take advantage and score point after point. It is impossible to describe what Vladimir Alekno's players did. The Kazan players literally beat the opponent.

Undoubtedly, the Dynamo players started to play better in the second set. However, it was not enough – Zenit won 25-18. Insignificant difference!

It seemed Dynamo would continue fighting in the third set. But something went wrong. Zenit took the lead and questioned a long course of the battle. The Kazan players did not play like hospitable hosts. They did not give the guests any chance.

It is difficult to define the problem of Dynamo. But the Moscow players have had their first defeat in the season and did not manage to oppose the Kazan players. Zenit, in turn, won the third set 25-15 and became a five-time winner of the Russian Supercup. So it confirmed its highest quality again.

The Dynamo players started to play better in the second set. However, it was not enough – Zenit won 25-18

The head coach of the Kazan players Vladimir Alekno shared his impressions of the match.

'I was very worried before the match. I did my best trying to hide it, but it was present. I worried about the unequal readiness of the team. But the reward, hall, people and desire to win compensated our problems. The guys are not tired of winning. I have not seen that Anderson did not touch the ball during three weeks. He is in good physical shape. But he promised he would improve. I am trying and will try to get rid of the dependence of the team on León and Anderson. There is Maksim Mikhailov, Andrey Aschev, Artyom Volvich. I am satisfied with the game the Russians showed today. There was an instruction that the others, not León, solved problems in difficult situations.